Why should Christians be self-controlled and sober-minded for our prayers? When we pray for others, who benefits?

1 Peter 4:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

7 The end of all things has drawn near; therefore be sound in mind[1] and be sober-minded[2]in prayers.

4:7. All the major events in God’s plan for redemption have occurred, and all things are now ready for Jesus Christ to return and rule. Therefore connects this doctrinal word to the behavioral and ethical consequences that ought to be demonstrated in the believer’s life and in the life of the church. One of the proofs of being a Christian is not simply having a hope for the future; the proof is having a hope that makes a difference in our lives today, in the present. As we live in the expectation of the second coming of Christ, some things need to take priority in our lives.

First on this list of priorities is purposeful prayer. Such prayer must be clear minded and self-controlled. To “be clear minded” suggests that believers pray intelligently or that they think about and evaluate their situations in life maturely and correctly as they begin to pray about them. In light of the context, perhaps Peter was cautioning them against giving way to eschatological frenzy and panic. To be “self-controlled” as one comes to prayer suggests that believers are to pray with a mind that is focused and alert. In other words, prayer should not be practiced nonchalantly or flippantly. Believers are to take prayer seriously.[3]

Peter under inspiration informs us that we need to “Be sound in mind … and be sober-minded in prayers.” What type of prayers should we be offering more often? Why do Christians need to pray often? When we pray for others, who benefits?

If anyone has ever worked what Americans refer to as the night shift (11:00 pm to 7:00 am), they know that daybreak, just as the Sun rises at the beginning of a new day, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay awake. The apostle Paul warned Timothy, “Realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Christians have been living in the last days since 33 C.E.[4] On this verse Knute Larson writes, “The ‘last days’ is not some future event to which we look. It is now, Jesus Christ initiated this epoch, and it will continue uninterrupted until his return. Paul defined this expansive time period as “terrible.” God’s extravagant grace also characterizes this era, establishing salvation and the church. But these days unleash Satan’s wild attempts to destroy and undermine God’s redemptive intentions. In giving us this information, Paul desired that believers maintain a readiness of spirit and life. The battle will rage. What each believer must decide is whether he will prepare for the promised difficulties or given to personal safety and comfort.”[5]

Like that “night shift” worker, Christians are entering the daybreak of the last days, just before the Sun rises at the beginning of a new era. They have long dealt with the darkness of Satan’s wicked world. (Rom. 13:12) Imagine falling asleep just before the end, just before the last hour. This is why we need to “Be sound in mind … and be sober-minded in prayers.” (1 Pet. 4:7) Considering where we are on God’s timetable, we must have self-control over ourselves. On the one hand, we do not want to be in a stupor from the long night of work, nor do we want to be in an “eschatological frenzy and panic,” because we feel the end is nigh. As any night shift worker knows, the last hour can seem to drag on forever, which heightens the anticipation that the end of the shift is near. We need to be sound in mind, that is, to have to understand about practical matters and thus be able to act sensibly, ‘to have sound judgment, to be sensible, to use good sense, sound judgment.’ We need to be sober-minded in prayers, namely, to be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking, ‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’ On 1 Peter 4:7, Thomas R. Schreiner writes,

4:7 The previous paragraph ended with a reference to the final judgment (v. 5), death, and the resurrection (v. 6). Hence, it is not surprising that v. 7 opens with a reference to the end of history. The words “all things” (pantōn) could be translated “all people,” but in this context “all things” makes better sense, being placed at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.[6] The reason the end is near is that the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have inaugurated the last days (cf. 1 Cor. 10:11; 1 John 2:18). In the New Testament the theme that the end of history is imminent is often sounded (Rom 13:11–12; Phil 4:5; Heb. 10:23–25; Jas 5:7–8; Rev 1:3; 22:10). All the following exhortations in this paragraph draw an inference from the coming of the end. See the “therefore” (oun) in the middle of v. 7. Because the end is near, believers should live in the following way.

We have a typical feature of New Testament eschatology here. Nowhere does the New Testament encourage the setting of dates or of any other kinds of charts. Eschatology is invariably used to encourage believers to live in a godly way (cf. Matt 24:36–25:46; Rom 13:11–14; 1 Cor. 15:58; Phil 4:4–9; 1 Thess. 5:1–11; 2 Pet 3:11–16). Nor does the New Testament ever invite believers to withdraw from the world because the end is near and to gaze at the skies, hoping that the Lord will return soon. The imminence of the end should function as a stimulus to action in this world. The knowledge that believers are sojourners and exiles, whose time is short, should galvanize them to make their lives count now.

We might expect a call for extraordinary behavior, thinking something unusual would be demanded in light of the arrival of the end. Peter exhorted his readers, however, to pursue virtues that are a normal part of New Testament paraenesis. We are reminded of what Martin Luther said when asked what he would do if the end would come today. He replied that he would plant a tree and pay his taxes. What Luther meant, of course, was that he lived every day in light of the end, and hence he would do the appointed task of that day. What is striking in the paragraph is how Peter shifted from a focus on relationship with outsiders to how believers should relate to one another.[7] Peter summoned his readers to “be clear minded and self-controlled.” The two verbs “be clear minded” (sōphronēsate) and “be self-controlled” (nēpsate) are virtually synonymous and should be understood together. Indeed, the word “pray” (lit., “prayers,” proseuchas) is attached to both verbs.[8] The nearness of the end has led some believers to lose their heads and act irrationally. On the contrary, believers should think sensibly as they contemplate the brevity of life in this world. Those who know the contours of history are able to assess the significance of the present. Their sensible and alert thinking is to be used for prayer, for entreating God to act and move in the time that still remains. The realization that God is bringing history to a close should provoke believers to depend on him, and this dependence is manifested in prayer, for in prayer believers recognize that any good that occurs in the world is due to God’s grace.[9]

Through all Prayer and Petition

Ephesians 6:18 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

18 Through all prayer and petition praying at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, keep awake with all perseverance and making supplication for all the holy ones.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul referred to “all prayer and petition praying at all times.” (Eph. 6:18) Many times, we are petitioning the Father for his help in assisting us with our needs, as well as help in overcoming any obstacles that we may face, be it spiritually, morally, mentally, physically, financially, and the like. The Psalmist says, “O you who hear prayer, to you all flesh will come.” (Ps. 65:2) On Ephesians 6:18, Peter Thomas O’Brien writes,

18 Prayer is given greater prominence within the context of the battle with the powers of darkness than any of the weapons listed in vv. 14–17. This is evident because, first, v. 18 is closely related to what has preceded through two participles which stress the need for continual ‘praying’ in the Spirit and for ‘keeping alert’ with perseverance and petition. These participles are best connected with the main exhortation, ‘stand’ (v. 14), rather than with the imperative ‘receive’ (v. 17), and underscore the point that standing firm and praying belong together. Secondly, prayer itself is not identified with any weapon.198 The military metaphors are limited to vv. 14–17, while calling on God for strengthening is the way believers stand firm and appropriate the divine armour. Thirdly, Paul elaborates on the theme of prayer by using cognate words and synonyms to describe the activity, and underscores its importance by employing the word ‘all’ four times in v. 18: believers are urged to pray at all times, with all prayer and supplication, with all perseverance, and they are to make supplication for all the saints. Finally, this emphasis on prayer is extended further in v. 19, where the apostle requests intercession for himself that he might effectively use the spiritual weapon of the sword of the Spirit, that is, the gospel. Paul wants his readers to understand that prayer is ‘foundational for the deployment of all the other weapons’, and is therefore crucial if they are to stand firm in their spiritual struggle. He has already shown his concern for them by praying that they might know the greatness of God’s power (1:15–23), and be strengthened by it so as to grasp the dimensions of Christ’s love for them and be filled with all the fullness of God (3:14–21). The apostle wants them to realize that a life of dependence on God in prayer is essential if they are to engage successfully in their warfare with the powers of darkness.

In the first clause the readers are encouraged to stand firm, ‘praying with every kind of prayer and petition’. The first noun, rendered ‘prayer’, though used on occasion of prayer in general, regularly occurs in both Old and New Testaments to signify petition.202 In Paul it often has the meaning of ‘petition’ for others, that is, intercession. The second word, ‘petition or supplication’, which originally denoted a ‘lack’ or ‘need’ and then an ‘entreaty’, came to be used exclusively in the New Testament of a ‘prayer’ addressed to God, especially a ‘petition’ or ‘supplication’.204 Here the word is used synonymously with the first. The two elements are then taken up separately: first, ‘praying at all times in the Spirit’, and then ‘to this end, keeping alert in all perseverance and petition for all the saints’. The effect of this accumulation of terms for petitionary prayer (a verb and two synonymous nouns; cf. Phil. 4:6) is to underscore emphatically the importance in the Christian’s warfare of believing and expectant prayer.

Believers are to pray continually because their struggle with the powers of darkness is never ending. And their prayers are to be ‘in or by the Spirit’, that is, inspired and guided by the same Holy Spirit through whom they have confident access to the Father (2:18). As those who have been built into God’s dwelling place in the Spirit (2:22) and who are being filled by the Spirit (5:18), they are to pray to the Father, prompted and guided by the Spirit. This is not a reference to praying in tongues, since not all Christians are expected to engage in such prayer, but has to do with specific requests offered through the Spirit by every believer involved in the spiritual warfare. Even when we do not know what to pray as we ought, the Spirit comes to our assistance and intercedes for us with unspoken groanings that are perfectly in line with the will of God (lit. ‘according to God’, Rom. 8:26–27).

To be committed to this kind of prayer believers need to stay alert. Such vigilance is to be accompanied by perseverance and prayer for all the saints.209 The exhortation to ‘watch and pray’ was part of early Christian tradition which derives from the teaching of Jesus, who encouraged his disciples to be vigilant in the light of temptation (Mark 14:38) and in view of his unexpected return (Luke 21:34–36; Mark 13:32–37). Here Paul is not simply describing believers’ general stance of being watchful and prayerful at all times. Nor is he speaking of attention and engagement in prayer as opposed to humdrum and lethargic praying. Instead, the term used here, ‘be alert, vigilant’, together with its synonym, ‘stay awake, be watchful’, was employed regularly in catechetical contexts of the children of light being awake and renouncing the spiritual sleep of the darkness of this age, with their minds directed towards Christ’s coming and the consummation of the hope.211 The concept of wakefulness had an eschatological character to it, and it seems reasonable to assume that the apostle is here encouraging his readers to be alert in expectation of the Lord’s coming (cf. 1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20). Perseverance and prayer are linked elsewhere in the New Testament (Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2; cf. Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4). Here believers are to persevere so as to overcome fatigue and discouragement, and not to fall into spiritual sleep or complacency.

They are to intercede ‘for all the saints’, that is, for those with whom they have been joined in the new community of God’s people (cf. 1:15; 2:14–18; 3:8). The spiritual warfare about which the apostle has been speaking is one in which all believers, both individually and corporately, are engaged; they need the intercession of fellow Christians if they are to stand firm in the thick of battle. The fourfold ‘all’ in this verse, pray at all times, with all prayer and supplication, with all perseverance, and make supplication for all the saints, underscores in a most emphatic way the significance which the apostle gave to such mutual intercession.[10]

Nevertheless, we need to give just as much attention to other forms of prayers as well, such as praise, thanksgiving, and supplication.

Let Everything Praise Jah

150 Praise Jah!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty expanse.[11]2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with harp and lyre.4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe.5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise Jah!
Praise Jah!

Certainly, all of us have many reasons why our prayers to the Father should include words of praise. Indeed, we want to ‘praise the Father for his mighty deeds, for his excellent greatness.’ The Psalmist says, “Seven times a day I praise you.” (Ps. 119:164) The Father certainly is worthy to be praised. For that reason, should we not praise him in our prayers “seven times a day,” i.e., frequently?

On Psalm 150 and the Psalms as a whole, Duane A. Garrett writes,

The loud, joyful, and exultant tone of this psalm tells us something of the nature of Israel’s worship. It could be solemn and grand without tedium or empty pomp. The psalm tells where, for what, how, and by whom the Lord is to be praised.

Theological Significance. The psalms help today’s believers to understand God, themselves, and their relationship to God. The psalms picture God as the Creator, who is worthy of praise and is capable of using His creative might to rescue His people from current distress. The psalms picture God as the just Judge of all the world, who rewards the righteous and opposes the wicked. Prayers that God curse the enemies of the psalmist must be understood in part as affirmations of God’s justice and the certainty of His judgment. The psalms picture God as the faithful Friend of the oppressed. The psalms offer a refresher course in God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history. The psalms highlight God’s promises to David and his descendants, promises that are not finally realized until Christ.

The psalms picture the full range of human emotions: joy, despair, guilt, consolation, love, hate, thankfulness, and dissatisfaction. The psalms thus remind us that all of life is under God’s lordship. The psalms likewise illustrate the broad range of human responses to God: praise, confession, pleas for help, thanksgiving. The psalms thus serve as a source book for Christian worship, both public and private.[12]

Everything by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds[13] in Christ Jesus.

Francois Fenelon has written about praying about everything,

Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart, it’s pleasures, and it’s pains, to a dear friend. Tell him your troubles, that he may comfort you; tell him your joys, that he may sober them; tell him your longings, that he may purify them; tell him your dislikes, that he may help you conquer them; talk to him of your temptations, that he may shield you from them; show him the wounds of your heart, that he may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others.

If you thus pour out your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed. People who have no secrets from each other never want for subject of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back, neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of their heart, without consideration they say just what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.[14]

Yes, we are to pray about everything but this also brings to our attention another form of prayer, “thanksgiving.” This actually serves as a protection for us in that a thankful heart will be certain to evidence that gratitude by obeying the Word of God more fully. Sadly, as we enter the final stages of the “last days,” we find ourselves living among the most ungrateful generation this world has ever seen. We have young liberal progressives stomping and burning the American flag after millions of young men and women have given their lives (1914-2016) to give them the freedom even to consider such an action. If it were not for America, the world would be living under the German, Russian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires (July 1914-November 1918). If it were not for America, the United States would be living under a German dictatorship, totalitarianism, autocracy, one-party communist state (September 1939-September 1945). If it were not for America, the world would be living under the Islamic Caliphate and Shariah Law (1990-Present). When a natural disaster hits some place in the world, the United States military planes are the first there with assistance. When a country is under attack from a rogue regime, the United States comes to their defense. The world has lost its measure of peace and security during the liberal-progressive Obama administration (2008-2016). If America is so oppressive, why are foreigners from all other countries risking their lives to come here illegally? It is this generation of young ones, who have to gratitude for the lives that were given so they could even have the freedom to ponder the idea of stomping on or burning the American flag.

This is definitely the ungrateful generation. We live in a very wicked world, like the world just prior to God destroying the wicked men in Noah’s day. If we are not careful, this ungrateful mindset could infect us as well. We need continuously to evaluate why we are grateful to our Creator. In the first century Christian congregation, Jude, Jesus’ half-brother said that there were those who were “grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” (Jude 16)

Jude declared that the godless people of his day were among the ones being referred to when Enoch prophesied. There is no new information in Enoch’s revelation. When Christ returns, accompanied by thousands upon thousands of angels, he will judge the ungodly acts of these men, as well as the harsh words [they] have spoken against Jesus, whom they have denied.

Self-serving godlessness has four facets. First, they were grumblers and faultfinders. They saw flaws in others, but never in themselves. Such is the nature of pride.

Second, they followed their own evil desires, which might be the cause of their grumbling and fault finding. When someone determines to satisfy his or her own desires, grumbling and fault finding often follow, because evil desires are not easily satisfied. People and circumstances must cooperate. If they do not, complaining is a natural result.

Thirdly, these false teachers boast about themselves while they also flatter others in the hope that they may gain some advantage. The terms that appear here mean they used swollen and extravagant speech. This may refer to the godless people’s habit of offering lofty, self-glorifying speeches in which they claimed superior knowledge of God.

On the other hand, these godless people were fawning and servile toward other people, smearing slimy, oily words around in the hope of getting others to think highly of them.[15]

When congregation leaders and the head of families evidence thanksgivings in their prayers before the flock and their families, they are encouraging a thankful spirit. Supplication is a humble and sincere appeal coupled with intense feelings[16] to our heavenly Father, who has the power to grant the request. What may we supplicate to God? We can come to God if we are under some form of persecution or if we or someone else is suffering from some illness. We must remember that there are very good reasons why God does not step in and solve every problem. See the Chapter Does God Step in and Solve Our Every Problem Because We are Faithful? See also the Appendix Why Does God Permit suffering and Evil. In these times of difficulty, prayers such as these understandably become supplications. However, are we to wait until times where our emotional, mental, or physical suffering is great before we offer supplications to God.

Matthew 6:9-10 Updated America Standard Version (UASV)

The Model Prayer

9 Pray in this way:

“Our Father who is in the heavens,
hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Above we have Jesus’ model prayer, which focuses on three priorities: the Father’s name, His Kingdom, and His will. We live in a world where violent crime, drug gangs, abusive governments, and terrorism affect all of us daily. Certainly, these three important aspects of Jesus’ model should be just as vital to us as well. We need to pray that the Father’s name be sanctified and for his Kingdom to rid the earth of Satan’s rule, as His will is carried out here on earth. Let us, therefore, remain attentive, willingly making use of all forms of prayer.

Matthew 26:40-45 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Could you not so much as keep on the watch for one hour with me? 41Keep on the watch and pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, he went off and prayed: “My Father, if it is not possible for this to pass away unless I drink it, let your will take place.” 43 And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them, he again went off and prayed for a third time, saying once more the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them: “At such a time as this, you are sleeping and resting! Look! The hour has drawn near for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

26:40–41. Returning to the three disciples, Jesus found them sleeping. He rebuked Peter on behalf of the others, using plural verbs throughout verses 40–41. His question did not expect an answer: Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour? The disciples’ sleeping showed that they were unaware of the spiritual danger and that their guard was down. This time when Jesus commanded them to watch and pray, he was referring to more than staying awake physically. They were on the verge of entering into the temptation to deny and abandon him, and they needed God’s help to stand fast.

Jesus acknowledged their uninformed willingness to remain loyal when he said, The spirit is willing. But they were unaware of how weak their flesh was. Without prayerful dependence on God and continual spiritual watchfulness, the flesh would win at the first moment of weakness.[17]

The disciples, in the most critical times of Jesus’ life, remain vigilant, readily making use of prayer. However, Jesus did not judge Peter and the other disciples harshly for failing to keep on the watch and pray. Jesus was well aware what a stressful day they had all been through, which had taken a toll on their weak human flesh. The experience in the garden of Gethsemane was not lost on Peter. He went through and walked away with a painful lesson from his lack of watchfulness. Earlier, Jesus had said, ““You will all fall away because of me this night.” At that, Peter exclaimed, “Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you, I will never be stumbled!” Jesus said to Peter, “Truly I say to you, on this night, before a rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I should have to die with you, I will by no means disown you.” (Matt. 26:31-35) All the same, Peter did fall short, just as Jesus had said he would. Overcome by his third denial of Jesus, Peter “wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:60-62)

Peter unquestionably learned a lesson from this life experience and overcame his bent toward self-confidence. Clearly, prayer played a major role in Peter’s after the above experience. Indeed, it is of note that Peter wrote, “The end of all things has drawn near; therefore be sound in mind[18] and be sober-minded[19]in prayers.” (1 Pet. 4:7) Are we heeding the Bible’s counsel on prayer? (Ps 85:8) Let us also keep in mind the Apostle Paul’s admonition,

1 Corinthians 10:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

12 Therefore, the one who thinks that he stands beware that he does not fall.

10:12. Followers of Christ who are overly confident and think they are standing firm should be careful not to fall as the Israelites did in the desert. Again, Paul did not mean that one’s salvation can be lost. Rather, he meant that some who wrongly think they are saved might prove themselves not to be (see Heb. 3:12–13).

He probably directed this comment to those who ate in idols’ temples. These would have been the people who had confidence they would not fall, and the ones who had put themselves in jeopardy of idolatry. Paul may also have been thinking of the weak brothers and sisters who gained the confidence to eat in pagan temples by observing others do the same. He had already expressed concern that these brothers and sisters might be destroyed by such activity.[20]

Praying for Others

Jesus prayed for Peter so that his faith would not fail. (Luke 22:32) On this Trent C. Butler writes, “This is a foretaste of Jesus’ heavenly role as our intercessor (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). Here is a prayer of Jesus that was not fulfilled. Faith did fail Peter. Jesus knew it would. So Jesus encouraged Peter to come back from failure. Failure does not have to be the last word. Satan can win a battle and lose the war. After giving in to temptation, Peter could become stronger and become a source of strength for others. Failure need not be complete. Forgiveness is readily available. Here is the good news of the gospel for everyone.”[21] Epaphras imitated Jesus in this regard and applied himself in prayer on behalf of his brothers in Colossae. “Always struggling on your behalf in his prayers,” Paul wrote them, “that you may stand perfect[22] and fully assured in all the will of God.” (Col. 4:12) On this Max Anders, writes, “Every church and ministry needs an Epaphras, the prayer warrior, also from Colosse. He was mentioned earlier (1:7) as the man responsible for bringing the gospel to the Colossians. For Epaphras prayer was not a game, it was a battle. He prayed continually, fervently, and with purpose. Aware of what the Colossians were facing, he knew their need was to grow to maturity in Christ in order to continue to resist the alluring lies of the false teachers.”[23]

2 Corinthians 1:11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

11 You also can help us by your prayers for us, in order that many may give thanks in our behalf for the favor we receive in answer to the prayers of many.

Our prayers for others are truly helpful to them. We must understand that God gets millions of prayers daily and he is not obliged to act in every instance. What does come to his attention though is a large number of his worshippers have made prayerful requests, some even repeatedly. He is well aware of the deep concern and desire that his will and purposes be carried out on earth. (Matt. 7:21-23; 1 John 2:15-17) We need to be balanced in our expectations, as more prayers go unanswered based on or expectations than actually are answered. When we make a request for others or ourselves we should include, “according to your will and purposes Father.” Remember, one way that we acquire endurance is through applying God’s Word more fully.[24] Even if our prayers are not answered in the timeframe that we expect or in the way that we would like, we can endure the difficulties that brought us to pray.

[2 Corinthians] 1:9b–11. Still, Paul could see a brighter side. He reflected on past events in two ways: First, God had permitted this suffering so Paul and other apostles might not rely on [them]selves but on God. Paul recognized the temptation to be self-reliant. Only when circumstances had exceeded his own ability had Paul learned to rely on God.

Paul described God as the one who raises the dead. He alluded to the fact that God the Father raised Christ from the dead as the firstfruits of a great resurrection. But he drew upon this truth because his sufferings in the past had brought him to feel that a sentence of death had been placed upon him. Through his trials Paul had realized that God’s power to raise the dead had significance beyond Christ’s resurrection and the general bodily resurrection of the last day. God was able day by day to make the power of Christ’s resurrection evident in believers’ lives (Phil. 3:10).

Paul next praised God’s past actions. God had delivered Paul and those with him from deadly peril. This declaration follows the Old Testament form of a traditional thanksgiving hymn (Ps. 40:1–3). Paul expressed confidence that God would deliver him in the future. Paul stated that he and other apostles had put their hope in the belief that God would continue to deliver. Hope in this sense is the emotional strength to persevere in difficulty because of a heightened expectation of better things in the future.

Finally, Paul acknowledged the purpose behind his sufferings and deliverances: God’s glory. Paul drew the Corinthians into his perspective by acknowledging that they would surely help him in the future by offering their prayers to God. As a result, many would give thanks to God for God’s response to their prayers. Many believers would be grateful for the gracious favor God would grant when he answered the prayers of many. The Corinthians were to have a right attitude toward Paul’s absence by remembering that their sympathetic prayers helped him in his suffering and glorified God.[25]

Why is it important that we pray regularly? Our prayers are like an intimate conversation with a dear friend, which helps us to draw closer to God. It makes Him more real to us. Our Father is the greatest person we can know, and he listens to us when others may not. (Ps 65:2; 1 Thess. 5:17) To whom does the Bible say that we should pray, and how? We should take note that Jesus’ prayers were always directed to the Father. (Matt. 4:10; 6:9) However, unlike Jesus, our prayers should be said in Jesus’ name. (John 14:6; 1 John 2:1-2) Our prayers to the father should be based on the motivation from our hearts, but not emotionalized for the sake of looking like we are doing a good job. We should not offer God some regurgitated prayer from memory or some prayer book. (Matt. 6:7-8) Our position and place are of no concern, as long as it is done respectfully without trying to draw attention to ourselves. (1 Sam. 1:12-13) In some cases, a quiet place may be best. (Mark 1:35) What are proper things that we can pray about? We can pray about anything that can affect our relationship with God. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Our example prayer from Jesus’ model prayer shows that we should be concerned about God’s name, his will and purposes, material needs, forgiveness of sins, and for help in resisting the temptations that come from Satan and his world. (Matt. 6:9-13) Our prayers should not always be about our needs, and they should be in harmony with God’s will. (1 John 5:14) When should we pray? We should pray anytime that we are moved to do so. (1 Ch. 29:10-13) We can pray when we are facing difficulties, or our faith is being challenged. (Ps 55:22; 120:1) We should pray before we eat our meals. (Matt. 14:19) We are invited us to pray “at all times.” (Eph. 6:18) We should be especially diligent in offering heartfelt prayers if we have committed some serious sin. We should beg God for mercy and forgiveness. (Ps 86:5; Pro. 28:13) Lastly, we must keep in mind that God does not listen to all prayers. If we expect God to hear our prayers, we must be doing our best to live by the Word of God. (Pro. 15:29; 28:9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) We must be humble when we pray. (Luke 18:9-14) We need to work on behalf of our prayers. If we pray that God helps us to understand the Bible better, we should evidence or faith by having a regular personal Bible study, be preparing for the Christian meetings, and share our faith.

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Christian Living

Why should you be interested in the prophecy recorded by Daniel in chapter 11 of the book that bears his name? The King of the North and the King of the South of Daniel are locked in an all-out conflict for domination as a world power. As the centuries pass, turning into millenniums, …

The theme of Andrews’ new book is YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As a Christian, you touch the lives of other people, wherein you can make a positive difference. Men and women of ancient times such as David, Nehemiah, Deborah, Esther, and the apostle Paul had a positive influence on others …

Many have successfully conquered bad habits and addictions by applying suggestions found in the Bible and by seeking help from God through prayer. You simply cannot develop good habits and kick all your bad ones overnight. See how to establish priorities. Make sure that your new habits …

It may seem to almost all of us that we are either entering into a difficult time, living in one, or just getting over one and that we face one problem after another. This difficulty may be the loss of a loved one in death or a severe marriage issue, a grave illness, the lack of a job, or …

The world that you live in today has many real reasons to be fearful. Many are addicted to drugs, alcohol, bringing violence into even the safest communities. Terrorism has plagued the world for more than a decade now. Bullying in schools has caused many teen suicides. The divorce rate …

John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Christian Bible. It has also been called the “Gospel in a nutshell,” because it is considered a summary of the central theme of traditional Christianity. Martin Luther called John 3:16 “The heart of the Bible, the Gospel in …

…about God and his personal revelation, allowing it to change our lives by drawing closer to God. TheBookofJames volume is written in a style that is easy to understand. The Bible can be difficult and complex at times. Our effort herein is to make it easier to read and understand, while …

THE OUTSIDER is a Coming-of-Age book. SECTION 1 Surviving Sexual Desires and Love will cover such subjects as What Is Wrong with Flirting, The Pornography Deception, Peer Pressure to Have Sexual Relations, Coping With Constant Sexual Thoughts, Fully Understanding Sexting, Is Oral Sex …

Who should read THIRTEEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP LIVING? Anyone who is struggling with their walk as a young person. Anyone who has a friend who is having difficulty handling or coping with their young life, so you can offer them the help they need. Any parent who has young ones. And …

…WagingWar is a guide to start the youth with the most basic information and work pages to the culmination of all of the facts, scripture, and their newly gained insight to offer a more clear picture of where they are and how to change their lives for the better. Every chapter will have …

DOZENS OF QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED: Why is prayer necessary? What must we do to be heard by God? How does God answer our prayers? Does God listen to all prayers? Does God hear everyone’s prayers? What may we pray about? Does the Father truly grant everything we ask for? What kind …

There are many reasons the Christian view of humanity is very important. The Christian view of humanity believes that humans were created in the image of God. We will look at the biblical view of humanity. We are going to look at the nature of man, the freedom of man, the personality of …

In FOR AS I THINK IN MY HEART – SO I A M, Edward D. Andrews offers practical and biblical insights on a host of Christian spiritual growth struggles, from the challenge of forgiveness to eating disorders, anger, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, pornography, masturbation, same-sex …

There is a genuine happiness, contentment, and joy, which come from reading, studying and applying God’s Word. This is true because the Scriptures offer us guidance and direction that aids us in living a life that coincides with our existence as a creation of Almighty God. For example, we …

THERE IS ONE MAJOR DIFFERENCE between Christian living books by Andrews and those by others. Generally speaking, his books are filled with Scripture and offer its readers what the Bible authors meant by what they penned. In this publication, it is really God’s Word offering the counsel, …

A clean conscience brings us inner peace, calmness, and a profound joy that is seldom found in this world under the imperfection of fallen flesh that is catered to by Satan, the god of the world. Many who were formerly living in sin and have now turned their life over to God, they now know this amazing relief and are able today to hold a good and clean conscience as they carry out the will of the Father. WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD, has been written to help its readers to find that same joy, to have and maintain a good, clean conscience in their lives. Of course, it is incapable of covering every detail that one would need to consider and apply in their lives …

This book is primarily for WIVES, but wives will greatly benefit from it as well. WIVES will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: WIVES BE SUBJECT TO …

This book is primarily for HUSBANDS, but wives will greatly benefit from it as well. HUSBANDS will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: HUSBANDS LOVE …

Christian Apologetics

How true is the Old Testament? For over two centuries Biblical scholars have held to the so-called documentary hypothesis, namely, that Genesis-Deuteronomy was not authored by Moses, but rather by several writers, some of whom lived centuries after Moses’ time. How have many scholars …

Islam is making a significant mark in our world. It is perhaps the fastest-growing religion in the world. It has become a major obstacle to Christian missions. And Muslim terrorists threaten the West and modern democracies. What is the history of Islam? What do Muslims believe? Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? Why do we have this clash of civilizations? Is sharia law a threat to modern democratic values? How can we fight terrorists in the 21st century? These are significant questions that deserve thoughtful answers …

…ISTHEQURANTHEWORDOFGOD? Is Islam the One True Faith? This book covers the worldview, practices, and history of Islam and theQuran. This book is designed as an apologetic evangelistic tool for Christians, as they come across Muslims in their daily lives, as well as to inform …

If you have the desire to become better equipped to reach others for the lost or to strengthen your faith, Judy Salisbury’s guide—written specifically to meet the needs of Christian women today—offers you a safe, practical, and approachable place to start. In her lively, …

Historical Criticism of the Bible got started in earnest, known then as Higher Criticism, during the 18th and 19th centuries, it is also known as the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation. Are there any weakness to the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation …

Biblical criticism is an umbrella term covering various techniques for applying literary historical-critical methods in analyzing and studying the Bible and its textual content. Biblical criticism is also known as higher criticism, literary criticism, and historical criticism. Biblical …

APOLOGETICS: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion by Edward D. Andrews, author of seventy-two books, covers information that proves that the Bible is accurate, trustworthy, fully inerrant, and inspired by God for the benefit of humankind. The reader will be introduced to Christan …

Evangelism is the work of a Christian evangelist, of which all true Christians are obligated to partake to some extent, which seeks to persuade other people to become Christian, especially by sharing the basics of the Gospel, but also the deeper message of biblical truths. Today the …

MOST Christian apologetic books help the reader know WHAT to say; THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST is HOW to communicate it effectively. The Christian apologist words should always be seasoned with salt as we share the unadulterated truths of Scripture with gentleness and respect. Our example …

…THEEVANGELISMHANDBOOK is a practical guide (for real-life application) in aiding all Christians in sharing biblical beliefs, the Good News of the kingdom, how to deal with Bible critics, overturning false beliefs, so as to make disciples, as commanded by Christ. Matthew 24:14; …

The reader will receive eight small introductory books in this one publication. Andrews’ intention is to offer his reader several chapters on eight of the most critical subject areas of understanding and defending the Word of God. This will enable the reader to lay a solid foundation for …

…TheCultureWar. How the West lost its greatness and was weakened from within outlines how the West lost its values, causing its current decline. It is a forceful attack on the extreme liberal, anti-religious ideology which since the1960’s has permeated the Western culture and …

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY will give its readers a thrilling account of first-century Christianity. When and how did they come to be called Christians? Who are all obligated to be Christian evangelists? In what way did Jesus set the example for our evangelism? What is the …

Inside of some Christians unbeknownst to their family, friends or congregation, they are screaming, “I doubt, I doubt, I have very grave doubts!” OURS is an age of doubt. Skepticism has become fashionable. We are urged to question everything: especially the existence of God and the …

The intention of this book is to investigate the biblical chronology behind Jehovah’s Witnesses most controversial doctrinal position that Jesus began to rule invisibly from heaven in October 1914. This biblical chronology of the Witnesses hinges upon their belief that the destruction of …

Translation and Textual Criticism

…THECOMPLETEGUIDETOBIBLETRANSLATION (CGBT) is for all individuals interested in how theBible came down to us, as well as having an insight into theBibletranslation process. CGBT is also for those who are interested in which translation(s) would be the most beneficial to use.

There are more than 150 different Bible translations in the English language alone. Some are what we call literal translations, which seeks to give the reader the exact English equivalent of what was written in the original language text, thus allowing the reader access to the actual Word …

…THETEXTOFTHENEWTESTAMENT was copied and recopied by hand for 1,500 years. Regardless of those scribes who had worked very hard to be faithful in their copying, errors crept into thetext. How can we be confident that what we have today is the Word of God? Wilkins and Andrews …

Edward D. Andrews boldly answers the challenges Bart D. Ehrman alleges against the fully inerrant, Spirit-inspired, authoritative Word of God. By glimpsing into the life of Bart D. Ehrman and following along his course of academic studies, Andrews helps the reader to understand the …

Biblical Studies

A comprehensive book on HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE by observing, interpreting, and applying, which will focus on the most basic Bible study tools, principles, and processes for moving from an in-depth reading of the Scriptures to application. What, though, if you have long felt that you are …

…the author’s intended meaning to his original readers and how that meaning can then apply to us. Marshall gives you what you need for deeper and richer Bible study. Dr. Lee M. Fields writes, “‘Deep’ study is no guarantee that mature faith will result, but shallow study guarantees …

The life of Christ is an exhaustless theme. It reveals a character of greater massiveness than the hills, of a more serene beauty than the stars, of sweeter fragrance than the flowers, higher than the heavens in sublimity and deeper than the seas in mystery. As good Jean Paul has …

Stalker’s Life of St. Paul became one of the most widely read and respected biographies of the Apostle to the Gentiles. As an insightful compendium on the life of Paul, this work is of particular interest to pastors and teachers who desire to add realism and vividness to their account of …

Delving into the basics of biblical interpretation, Edward D. Andrews has provided a complete hands-on guide to understanding what the author meant by the words that he used from the conservative grammatical-historical perspective. He teaches how to study the Bible on a deep, scholarly …

…Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as to ignore them will result in all manner of erroneous assumptions. Beville presents …

Once upon a time, Postmodernism was a buzz word. It pronounced Modernism dead or at least inthe throes of death. It was a wave that swept over Christendom, promising to wash away sterile, dogmatic and outmoded forms of church. But whatever happened to postmodernism? It was regarded …

…church. It offers an appointment with the Great Physician that no Christian can afford to ignore. DevelopingHealthyChurches: ACase-StudyinRevelationbegins with a well-researched outline of the origins and development of the church health movement. With that background in mind the …

…liberties in a multi-cultural society that is becoming increasingly secular. This work provides an ethical framework in which euthanasia and assisted suicide can be evaluated. These issues are on the radar indicating a collision course with Christian values. It is time for Christians to be …

…JourneywithJesusthroughtheMessageofMark is an insightful and engaging survey ofMark‘s Gospel, exploring each major section ofthe text along with key themes. It is a work that can be enjoyed by laypersons as well as pastors and teachers. Pastors will find the abundant use …

What are angels & demons? Can angels help us? What does the Bible say about angels? What is the truth about angels? Can Angels affect your life? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:2? Who is Michael the archangel? Can Satan the Devil control …

Bible Doctrines

What is the Bible’s viewpoint? Without delving into an endless stream of what man has said, Andrews looks at what the Bible says about death and the like. Why do we grow old and die? What happens at death? Is there life after death, or is this all there is? Do we have an immortal soul? …

Herein Andrews will give the reader exactly what the Bible offers on exposing who the Antichrist and the Man of Lawlessness are. If we look at the texts that refer to the antichrist and the man of lawlessness, we will have lines of evidence that will enable us to identify them. Why is it …

Throughout the Scriptures, God is identified as the Creator. He is the One “who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it.” [Isa 45:18] He is the One “who forms mountains and creates the wind” (Am 4:13) and is the One “who made the heaven and …

The information herein is based on the disciples coming to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming, and (3) of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) What will end? When will the end come? What comes after the end? Who …

What Really Is Hell? What Kind of Place is Hell? What Really Happens at Death? What Did Jesus Teach About Hell? How Does Learning the Truth About Hell Affect You? Who Goes to Hell? What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment? Does God Punish People in Hellfire? Do the Wicked Suffer in …

Miracles were certainly a part of certain periods in Bible times. What about today? Are miracles still taking place. There are some very important subjects that surround this area of discussion that are often misunderstood. Andrews will answer such questions as does God step in and solve …

Today there are many questions about homosexuality as it relates to the Bible and Christians. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Does genetics, environment, or traumatic life experiences justify homosexuality? What is God’s will for people with same-sex attractions? Does the …

Christian Fiction

…desert but none of such significance as a handful of scrolls retrieved from a buried Roman satchel (presumed stolen) at this site. The discovery has since come to be known as ‘TheDiaryofJudasIscariot.’ In TheDiaryofJudasIscariot Owen Batstone relates the observations and feelings …

Kevin Trill struggles with the notion that he may have missed theRapture. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a solid gold pocket watch, he sets off towards Garbor, a safe haven for those who haven’t yet taken the mark of thebeast. While on his way to Garbor, he meets up …

There grew an element in the valley that did not want to be ruled by the Light of the Word. Over time, they convinced the people to reject it. As they started to reject this Light, the valley grew dim and the fog rolled in. The people craved the darkness rather than the Light because they were evil. They did not want to …

When an ancestor saddles them with the responsibility to purge Australia of a demon threatening to wipe our humanity with black flames, fraternal siblings Amber and Michael Hauksby lay their lives on the line. As the world crumbles around them into chaos, and ancient marsupials wreak havoc in their hometown, they must journey into …

“Write Place, Right Time” follows the pre-apocalyptic misadventures of freelance journalist Don Lamplighter. While on what he expects to be a routine Monday night trip to a village board meeting, Lamplighter’s good nature compels him to help a stranded vehicle. Little does he know that by saving one of the car’s occupants, he sets forth a chain of what to him seem to be unrelated events where he must use his physical and social skills to save himself and others from precarious situations.

FOOTNOTES ARE BELOW COVER

[1] To have understanding about practical matters and thus be able to act sensibly–‘to have sound judgment, to be sensible, to use good sense, sound judgment.’

[2] To be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking–‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’

[11]Expanse: (Heb., raqia) is the atmosphere surrounding earth the space above the earth that contains the clouds, planets, and stars. It is where the birds fly and the luminaries reside. God began to call the expanse heaven (or sky). The Psalmist tells us ‘The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and the expanse is declaring the work of his hands.’–Gen. 1:6-8, 14-15, 17, 20; Ps. 19:1; 150:1.

[18]Sound in Mind: (Gr. sophroneo) This means to be of sound mind or in one’s right mind, i.e., to have understanding about practical matters and thus be able to act sensibly, ‘to have sound judgment, to be sensible, to use good sense, sound judgment.’–Acts 26:25; Romans 12:3; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 2:6; 1 Peter 4:7

[19]Sober Minded: (Gr. nepho) This denotes being sound in mind, to be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking, ‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’–1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8

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Christian Publishing House

Christian Publishing House was founded in January, 2005. Our goal is to help Christians around the world, who are lacking the basic knowledge of the Bible's teachings. Thus, they are unable to take advantage of the full happiness of partaking in joint worship with God. Christian Publishing House has the purpose, to help all Christians to increase and expand their understanding of God's Word and to apply it more fully in their lives.